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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: CitizenKane on 01 February 2018, 10:57

Title: EPC Light
Post by: CitizenKane on 01 February 2018, 10:57
Hi,

The EPC light has come on in my car, but it seems to be driving fine. I noticed it after I had the battery replaced.

Is this a common thing or anyone know what it might be? I have searched around a bit but could only find threads where the EPC light came on coupled with a loss of power or other driveability issues, which doesn't seem to be the case here.

Thanks
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: enyap on 01 February 2018, 21:50
Mine comes on intermittently and the engine cuts out. I know only that it is to do with an electrical fault but not sure which circuits it is relevant to. Can't even find a reference to the warning light in the circuit diagrams. Is your's on perminantly?
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: itavaltalainen on 03 February 2018, 13:13
Fault codes checked?
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: Mr_Orange on 03 February 2018, 19:31
Doesn't a MAF fault do this? Totally unrelated systems but a strange quirk of the car.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 04 February 2018, 09:59
A faulty/non working brake light switch can throw that light up too...check both brake lights.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: CitizenKane on 06 February 2018, 18:06
Thanks all. I haven't been able to get the fault code checked yet but I am trying to get my mechanic to do it without charging me when he has a spare moment.

I'm not sure if this is related or not, but I've also noticed that all of the console lights seem to be a bit dimmer than I remember them being. Might this be something to do with it?
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 06 February 2018, 18:29
That could be as simple as a bad earth connection...or an indicator of something more serious. I would start with the easy stuff first. The last time I had the dreaded light come on, followed by the "go to the workshop" warning, it was just one brakelight bulb not working as it should. Tricky little things, these VWs.  I've often wondered if the warning lights need Google Translate to get the correct message across.   :wink:
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: CitizenKane on 26 February 2018, 08:37
Well it turns out the brake light switch was gone. I replaced it yesterday and now both brake lights are working fine.

The EPC light is still on though. Is this just because it needs to be cleared, or should it have gone off when I replaced the brake light switch and does it mean there is something else wrong?
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 26 February 2018, 09:13
I would get the warning light cleared first...a simple OBD11 scanner can do that.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: CitizenKane on 26 February 2018, 09:57
OK thanks. I don't own any diagnostics equipment and I've never read codes before, but I suppose this is as good a time to start as any.

Any recommendations for an OBDII reader? Or will any of them do the job?
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 26 February 2018, 10:35
Plenty of them on EBay...Halfords probably sell them as well. I use an 'AUTEL'  and it has never let me down, but others may recommend another brand.

It's a really easy process to follow and most scanners will have instructions included...just make sure that the one you get is suitable for the VAG vehicles, because not all of them are. Mine will work on all types and cost me about 20 pounds (over here). The plug in point for your car is behind the short piece of facia, just above your ashtray...it just unclips.

Let us know how you get on.


This is the one I have..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/262446672659?rt=nc


Once that page opens, scroll down for more stuff and info.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 26 February 2018, 13:02
Actually, since I posted the above, just out of curiosity, I hooked mine up to the Autel site and was dismayed to see that they no longer provide tech support for this model...

TBH, if you are keen on doing this sort of stuff yourself, I would opt for either a later model, or even another brand.
Foxwell make some good stuff, but at a higher price.

Sorry for messing you about...my model does work fine, but you may want more functions than I am used to.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: itavaltalainen on 26 February 2018, 14:22
I'd just go straight to VCDS.
Title: Re: EPC Light
Post by: bgbazz on 26 February 2018, 15:44
Might be a bit of an overkill...just to turn off a light.